MY TURN: Let's have a rational discussion about gun control

By Linda Dover

Published: Friday, January 4, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 11:39 p.m.

Robert Dewitt, a responsible gun owner, addressed the gun control issue in his column (The Tuscaloosa News, Dec. 19) following the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. If he continues to explore this issue, however, I hope that he will consider some parameters.

First, abandon the straw man arguments, beginning with “guns don't kill.” Guns, like any other weapon, require an agent. Thoughtful proponents of gun control don't argue otherwise or claim that guns are “inherently evil.” Don't assume that all of them believe that eliminating such weapons will eliminate all massacres. They don't. Don't assume that all believe that the mere presence of military-style weapons “created” killing sprees. They don't. Thought-ful gun control proponents suggest no such single-cause, single-effect. Both sides can agree that such events are multi-

faceted in both their causes and possible remedies. Assume the presence of thoughtful readers on both sides and address issues from that stance.

Second, forgo the “slippery slope” argument that if gun owners give up their assault weapons, they might have to give up all their weapons. One action does not necessarily follow another. Other gun owners voice a similar “slope” argument, holding that even registering guns is tantamount to governmental seizure of all of them. What historical or legal precedent in U.S. post-constitutional history suggests either likelihood? What is the likelihood of such pending action in which citizens would have no voice?

Third, in the absence of research, don't compare the U.S. gun culture with that of Israel, or, for that matter, any other culture, historical or otherwise. Israel does not share our socio-political history, and, in particular, our hunting-culture history. Israeli citizens of both sexes have compulsory military obligations. Only Israeli soldiers and post-service citizens with gun licenses legally possess guns, a right earned through stringent qualification processes and exercised with controls; owners must keep their weapons on their persons or under lock and key at all times or be subject to penalty. Potentially unstable individuals are screened out during the induction process and not issued guns. Check facts before asserting that Israeli “teachers are armed and expected to defend their students.” In fact, only a few schools in high risk areas have armed security guards and a few armed teachers. Assault weapons are banned except in high-risk areas.

Rather, examine our own culture and note that most gun-related deaths arise from suicide, not homicide, and are due primarily to handguns, not assault weapons. That might be more informative than observing that we have no constitutional right to drive registered vehicles whose licensed drivers kill more people each year than do guns. Address how all gun deaths might be reduced. That might be more productive.

Both sides can agree that most gun owners are responsible, that people kill themselves or others using guns, that we cannot confiscate all guns, identify all sane or insane individuals who may murder individuals or masses of them, or prevent all such occurrences. Let's have rational discussion about issues and potential solutions: Should we examine policies from other countries? Do nothing? Limit access to some guns or high-capacity rounds? Examine measures regarding those who are potentially suicidal or homicidal? Do something else? If so, how, and with what possible and credible consequences for ill or good? Let's have rational discussion about gun rights. Let's hear from the lawyers, both on the “fixed” and “living” sides of constitutional law, about what constitutes the “right to bear arms” (which weapons?) and the nature of a “well-regulated militia.” Let's arm ourselves with evidence and reason, aim for thoughtful discourse and sensible debate — and, please, with no name-calling and yelling at each other.

Linda A. Dover, now retired, was a professor of English at Stillman College.

<p>Robert Dewitt, a responsible gun owner, addressed the gun control issue in his column (The Tuscaloosa News, Dec. 19) following the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. If he continues to explore this issue, however, I hope that he will consider some parameters. </p><p>First, abandon the straw man arguments, beginning with “guns don't kill.” Guns, like any other weapon, require an agent. Thoughtful proponents of gun control don't argue otherwise or claim that guns are “inherently evil.” Don't assume that all of them believe that eliminating such weapons will eliminate all massacres. They don't. Don't assume that all believe that the mere presence of military-style weapons “created” killing sprees. They don't. Thought-ful gun control proponents suggest no such single-cause, single-effect. Both sides can agree that such events are multi-</p><p>faceted in both their causes and possible remedies. Assume the presence of thoughtful readers on both sides and address issues from that stance.</p><p>Second, forgo the “slippery slope” argument that if gun owners give up their assault weapons, they might have to give up all their weapons. One action does not necessarily follow another. Other gun owners voice a similar “slope” argument, holding that even registering guns is tantamount to governmental seizure of all of them. What historical or legal precedent in U.S. post-constitutional history suggests either likelihood? What is the likelihood of such pending action in which citizens would have no voice? </p><p>Third, in the absence of research, don't compare the U.S. gun culture with that of Israel, or, for that matter, any other culture, historical or otherwise. Israel does not share our socio-political history, and, in particular, our hunting-culture history. Israeli citizens of both sexes have compulsory military obligations. Only Israeli soldiers and post-service citizens with gun licenses legally possess guns, a right earned through stringent qualification processes and exercised with controls; owners must keep their weapons on their persons or under lock and key at all times or be subject to penalty. Potentially unstable individuals are screened out during the induction process and not issued guns. Check facts before asserting that Israeli “teachers are armed and expected to defend their students.” In fact, only a few schools in high risk areas have armed security guards and a few armed teachers. Assault weapons are banned except in high-risk areas.</p><p>Rather, examine our own culture and note that most gun-related deaths arise from suicide, not homicide, and are due primarily to handguns, not assault weapons. That might be more informative than observing that we have no constitutional right to drive registered vehicles whose licensed drivers kill more people each year than do guns. Address how all gun deaths might be reduced. That might be more productive. </p><p>Both sides can agree that most gun owners are responsible, that people kill themselves or others using guns, that we cannot confiscate all guns, identify all sane or insane individuals who may murder individuals or masses of them, or prevent all such occurrences. Let's have rational discussion about issues and potential solutions: Should we examine policies from other countries? Do nothing? Limit access to some guns or high-capacity rounds? Examine measures regarding those who are potentially suicidal or homicidal? Do something else? If so, how, and with what possible and credible consequences for ill or good? Let's have rational discussion about gun rights. Let's hear from the lawyers, both on the “fixed” and “living” sides of constitutional law, about what constitutes the “right to bear arms” (which weapons?) and the nature of a “well-regulated militia.” Let's arm ourselves with evidence and reason, aim for thoughtful discourse and sensible debate — and, please, with no name-calling and yelling at each other. </p><p>Linda A. Dover, now retired, was a professor of English at Stillman College.</p>